Ryan Waddell
When it comes to developing elite lacrosse goalies, Goaliesmith has set the standard for specialized training programs that focus on enhancing both the physical and mental aspects of the game.
Goaliesmith is a nationwide training source for goalies and goalie coaches that offers high-intensity training sessions, overnight camps, and online coaching content. On the field, Goaliesmith events are structured to get results for each individual goalie by focusing on new training material, competition amongst the best goalies, and unique approach to performing consistently in the goal. Their goal is to elevate your game.
What is Goaliesmith?
Goaliesmith is more than just a training program; it’s a commitment to pushing lacrosse goalies to excel to the next competitive level. Founded by Mike and Andrew Gvozden, Goaliesmith was designed by goalies, for goalies, to address the unique challenges of the position and provide tailored instruction that covers both technique and mindset. Through hands-on coaching, innovative drills, and a focus on mental toughness, Goaliesmith offers a holistic approach to goalie training that sets it apart from other offerings across the country.
The Mission Behind Goaliesmith
Goaliesmith's mission is to build goalies who not only master their position but also develop the resilience needed to thrive under pressure. The training focuses on developing the core skills essential for goalies—quick reflexes, decision-making, and mental strength—ensuring that each athlete is prepared for the demands of competitive play.
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Meet the Founders: Mike and Andrew Gvozden
Goaliesmith was founded by Mike (Johns Hopkins) and Andrew Gvozden (Hofstra), two brothers who have extensive experience playing as goalies at the highest levels growing up in Maryland. Their backgrounds in competitive lacrosse provide them with a deep understanding of what it takes to be successful in the goalie position. They have leveraged their knowledge to create a training program that blends technical skill development with rigorous on-field conditioning, making Goaliesmith an elite choice for aspiring goalies.
The Gvozden brothers bring a hands-on approach to their training sessions, offering insights and strategies that only experienced goalies can provide. Their personalized coaching style ensures that athletes get the most out of each training session, learning not just the "how" but also the "why" behind every technique. This commitment to comprehensive development is a hallmark of Goaliesmith that puts responsibility on the player, not the parent.
"Goaliesmith has been an invaluable training experience for my daughter as she prepared for her collegiate lacrosse career. It is a high energy high intensity experience for goalies and they get reps/shots from some of the best offensive players in the country. She has continued to train on Christmas and summer breaks with the Goaliesmith crew and ALWAYS comes out of the experience fired up and feeling prepared for her season." - Elizabeth Pearson, Summer of 2024
"My 2025 daughter has been attending Goaliesmith since 7th grade. I cannot say enough positive things about them. The high energy, high intensity sessions...doing everything they can to replicate the stress of a game while giving kids lots of repetitions and time to work on specific skills is invaluable. I've enjoyed watching their program grow and look forward to watching their continued success." - Carl Smit, Summer of 2023
"My 2026 goalie loves attending Goaliesmith sessions in Baltimore, and he had an excellent experience at TGE this summer. We are a bit of a drive, but I find that he stands on his head for the next few games after he attends a session. The individual attention is impressive -- little tweaks make such a difference! The high energy and intensity of the sessions make the drive 100% worth it. He'd attend every session if he could!!" - Sara Moskowitz, Fall of 2024
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The Goaliesmith Training Experience
The Goaliesmith training experience is an immersive opportunity for goalies to enhance their skills through targeted drills, small group sessions, and one-on-one coaching. Athletes are exposed to a curriculum that focuses on all facets of the position, from technique and footwork to game strategy and mental preparation. This approach helps goalies build confidence and master the skills needed for peak performance.
Goaliesmith also goes beyond physical skills; it delves into the mental side of being a goalie. The program incorporates strategies for mental conditioning, helping goalies stay composed and perform under pressure. Workshops and exercises on mental toughness are key components, equipping goalies with the mindset necessary to thrive in high-stakes situations.
Goaliesmith PRO: Your Digital Training Partner
This digital resource makes it easier for goalies to stay sharp between seasons and keep their skills up to date. The ability to train digitally with Goaliesmith PRO offers unmatched convenience and access to quality training resources, making it easier for goalies to work year-round. The combination of in-person training at events like The Goaliesmith Experience and online support ensures that athletes receive a well-rounded and continuous development experience when working with Goaliesmith.
What Does Goaliesmith PRO Offer?
- On-Demand Training Videos: Access a comprehensive library of videos covering drills, techniques, and goalie-specific strategies. These videos are designed to help goalies practice at home or on the go.
- Flexible Training Options: Goaliesmith PRO allows goalies to fit training into their busy schedules, making it easier to maintain consistency and growth.
Who Can Benefit from Goaliesmith and Goaliesmith PRO?
Goaliesmith and Goaliesmith PRO cater to goalies at all levels, from beginners to current college players. The programs are designed to meet the needs of:
- Youth Players: Offering foundational skills training and guidance on developing a strong work ethic.
- High School and College Goalies: Focusing on advanced techniques and mental conditioning to prepare for higher-level competition.
The Advantages of Training with Goaliesmith
The Goaliesmith approach combines a deep understanding of goalie-specific needs with innovative training methods, ensuring that athletes receive the best preparation for their position. Some key advantages include:
- Expert Coaching: Learn from experienced goalies who have played at the highest levels with Coach Mike at Johns Hopkins and Coach Andrew at Hofstra.
- Comprehensive Curriculum: Covering not just technical skills but also game strategy, reaction time, and mental conditioning.
- Personalized Feedback: Small group settings and one-on-one sessions provide customized instruction based on each athlete's strengths and areas for improvement.
- Online and Offline Training Integration: Goaliesmith PRO extends the benefits of in-person training to a digital platform, allowing for continuous development.
Why Goaliesmith Thrives
What makes Goaliesmith thrive is its commitment to evolving with the sport and providing training that is relevant and effective to goalies across the country. The Gvozden brothers continually update the curriculum to incorporate the latest techniques and strategies in lacrosse, ensuring that goalies are always learning the most effective methods. Additionally, the supportive community fostered by Goaliesmith encourages goalies to push one another and stay motivated.
"Ryan is simply put, in a league of his own. He knows how to translate website jargon for those who are not experts, while providing his clients with the opportunity to be hands-on in creating their website/hub spot systems. Working with him is not only improving the way we do business, but is very enjoyable. Highly recommended!" - Mike Gvozden, Goaliesmith
Our Partnership With Goaliesmith
As part of our efforts to support Goaliesmith, we have implemented strategic marketing campaigns that boost online visibility and drive engagement over the last three years. This includes:
- Website Design: We maintain the Goaliesmith website to improve user experience, streamline navigation, and optimize conversions across all devices.
- Targeted Email Campaigns: Our targeted email campaigns deliver personalized content to segmented audiences, driving engagement and boosting program sign-ups.
- Shopify & Memberspace: We integrated Shopify for easy product sales and MemberSpace for managing subscription access to exclusive Goaliesmith PRO content.
Why Choose Goaliesmith?
Choosing Goaliesmith means investing in a program that is dedicated to the specific needs of goalies. The training not only prepares athletes for the physical challenges of the game but also instills the mental toughness required to succeed at the highest levels. With the added flexibility of Goaliesmith PRO, athletes can continue to train and improve even when they’re not on the field even after attending a nationwide Goaliesmith event.
FAQs
What is Goaliesmith PRO?
Goaliesmith PRO is a digital platform that provides access to on-demand training videos, webinars, and exclusive content for goalies.
Can I use Goaliesmith PRO without attending in-person sessions?
Yes, Goaliesmith PRO is a standalone resource that complements traditional training but can also be used independently at home and on the go.
How do I sign up for Goaliesmith PRO?
You can subscribe to Goaliesmith PRO here.
What age groups benefit from Goaliesmith training?
Goaliesmith offers programs for all ages, from youth to college players.
Are the Gvozden brothers directly involved in the training sessions?
Yes, they lead training sessions and offer personalized coaching to participants along with Coach Matt Gill and Coach Meg Taylor
How often is new content added to Goaliesmith PRO?
The platform is regularly updated with new videos and training categories.
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